Pope Leo XIV Receives Custom Electric Vehicles for Sustainable Apostolic Journeys, Highlighting EV Adaptability for Global Travel
Key Insights
Pope Leo XIV received two custom-built electric vehicles designed for sustainable mobility during his future apostolic journeys.
Developed by Italian firm Exelentia in collaboration with the Vatican Gendarmerie and ITA Airways, the vehicles are compact and optimized for air transport.
These fully electric, zero-emission vehicles feature specialized modifications for comfort and security, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship.
The initiative underscores the growing adaptability of electric vehicle technology for high-profile, logistically complex international travel.
Pope Leo XIV has received two custom-built electric vehicles, marking a significant stride towards sustainable mobility for high-profile international travel and underscoring the Vatican’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The specialized vehicles, designed for seamless air transport and zero-emission operation, were officially announced in a press release by the Governatorate of Vatican City State on July 6, 2025, following their presentation to the Pontiff on July 3 at the Pontifical Villas in Castel Gandolfo.
Developed by the Italian firm Exelentia in close collaboration with the Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City State, these compact electric vehicles represent a fusion of advanced engineering and artisanal craftsmanship. Their design prioritizes ease of transport on long-haul flights, eliminating the need for disassembly, a critical logistical advantage for the Pope’s extensive apostolic journeys. This innovative feature was a direct result of collaboration with ITA Airways, which provided crucial technical and dimensional requirements to ensure airworthiness and efficient loading.
The vehicles are fully electric, producing neither noise nor pollutants, aligning with the Vatican’s increasing focus on ecological responsibility, as articulated in encyclicals such as Laudato Si’. Customization was a key aspect of their development, with the bodywork featuring specific modifications like a front handle and lateral supports under the armrests. These enhancements aim to provide secure grips and improved comfort for the Pope during boarding and exiting, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail required for such a unique application.
The Gendarmerie Corps played a pivotal supervisory role throughout the project, ensuring that each phase met stringent standards for efficiency, agility, and security—parameters paramount for vehicles intended for international use by a head of state. This multi-stakeholder collaboration highlights the complex technical and logistical considerations involved in deploying specialized electric vehicles for global mobility. The initiative not only showcases the adaptability of EV technology but also signals a broader embrace of sustainable practices by influential global entities, potentially inspiring further adoption of green transport solutions across diverse sectors.